Critics really do not like this movie…

Chicago Tribune, Matt Pais
“…awful–and awfully entertaining.”

Entertainment Weekly, Owen Gleiberman
“…even though the movie holds you, its climax lacks that tingle of madness.”

Hollywood Reporter, Frank Scheck
“Despite all the talent involved, this remake of the cult classic is unlikely to inspire a similar rabid following.”

I did like the movie. I thought it was reasonably well-done and nicely updated from the original version of the Wicker Man that starred Edward Woodward. Fans of the original will notice that there’s a nice nod to Edward Woodward by the naming of Nicolas Cage’s character Edward, and the last name of the vanished girl being Woodward.

Edward Woodward, star of the original Wicker Man, has said that while he was offered a part in the remake and declined, he nevertheless was “surprisingly impressed by the quality of the script”.

There is a “Missing” sign in the police station with a photo of Edward Woodward’s character from the 1973 original.

There was a good cast, but Nicolas Cage just overshadowed them all. I much preferred Ellen Burstyn as the sinister Sister Summersisle. Christopher Lee originally had the role, and although he was pretty darn menacing, he never quite fit.

There are definately some lines that are absurd, but Cage delivered them with a straight face. My only real complaint with the movie was the way it ended. When the head of the giant Wicker Man fell to the ground in flames, that’s where the credits should have begun. As it was, there was a useless “six months later” scene that just wasn’t needed.

My recommendation is, if you enjoyed the original movie, or you really like Nic Cage, then go see it. If not, forget it.

Tags: movie review, movies, Nicolas Cage, Wicker Man, Wickerman

This entry was posted on Sunday, September 10th, 2006 at 12:09 am and is filed under reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.